Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today his appointment of Barrington Police Chief John M. LaCross to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.
“I can think of no Rhode Islander more fit to serve on the Rhode Island Ethics Commission than Chief John LaCross,” Governor Chafee said. “Chief LaCross has earned respect for his extensive background in law enforcement as well as for his committed involvement in the community. He has lived a life of the highest ethical standards and I have no doubt that he will be a positive addition to the Ethics Commission.”
Chief LaCross began his tenure as Chief of the Barrington Police Department on January 18, 2002. His main platform upon his oath to office was the prevention of domestic violence and underage drinking in the town.
Chief LaCross formerly served 23 years with the Rhode Island State Police, where he began his career in June of 1979. Chief LaCross was promoted to numerous ranks within the State Police; he retired as Executive Officer, at which time he held the second-highest position in the organization.
Chief LaCross holds a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Studies from Anna Maria College and underwent extensive leadership training as a Rhode Island State Trooper, most notably an 11-week Executive Police Leadership Program at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
Chief LaCross has been a Barrington resident for 21 years, and has been married to his wife Judy for 27 years. They have two daughters, both college graduates.
A lifelong hockey player, Chief LaCross volunteers his time as an assistant coach for the Barrington High School women’s ice hockey team. He is a Board member of the RI Samaritan’s Suicide Prevention Organization and speaks to surviving victims who have lost a loved one to suicide. Having personally attained the rank of Eagle Scout, Chief LaCross often speaks at Eagle Scout ceremonies for newly inducted honorees.
Chief LaCross is also a trained volunteer at Women & Infants Hospital, and has provided spiritually guided meditations for hundreds of attendees during the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Annual Vigils.
Chief LaCross replaces Barbara Binder, whose term expired in September 2009. The appointment is for a five-year term, but will end in September 2014, as it dates to the expiration of Ms. Binder’s term.
***The Rhode Island Ethics Commission is a constitutionally mandated body empowered to adopt, enforce and administer the Code of Ethics. The Code sets forth standards of conduct for all public officials and employees. The Commission educates and advises public officials and employees about the standards of conduct set out in the Code of Ethics. Additionally, the Ethics Commission oversees the financial disclosure program which requires all elected officials, all candidates for public office and certain categories of persons appointed to serve as officers or members of state or municipal agencies to file statements annually.***